Mixed Native Hedging

Native hedging plants such as Hawthorn, Field Maple, Hazel, Hornbeam and Beech are plants that are from the UK and have grown in the UK environment for thousands of years. As a result, they are adapted to the UK ecosystems and provide natural habitats and food for many living things. Native hedges are seen growing around farmers' fields but are now also been used as garden hedges and around industrial sites and office buildings.

Most native hedges are made up of a mixture of different species of plants the most common being Hawthorn, Field Maple, Hazel and Blackthorn but the exact mix depends on an individual's choice.

Hawthorn | Quickthorn | Maythorn | Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a hedging plant that provides year-round interest and a wonderful home for wildlife. It offers

white blossom in the spring, bright green leaves tinged with red throughout the spring and summer, and red haws (meaning Old English for fruit) in the autumn. Hawthorn is native to the UK and is deciduous (it loses its leaves in the winter).

Why plant a Hawthorn hedge?

Fast growingVery hardyWind tolerantRich haven for wildlifeBeautiful spring blossom with scented flowersDense thorny branches ideal for aditional security along garden boundariesAttractive green and red leavesSuitable for most soil types Ideal for mixed native hedgeYoung leaves, flowers and are edible and can be used in herbal remediesHaws can be used to make jams and jelliesA hedging plant native to the UK

How far apart should I plant Hawthorn?

Plant our mixed native hedging troughs 1 metre apart and you will get an instant hedge as these troughs are 1 metre wide.

Plant large individual plants between 3 to 5 per metre in a staggered row to get a thick, dense hedge. They can be mixed with other native hedging plants such as Field Maple (Acer campestre), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium).

Where will Hawthorn grow?

Hawthorn is ideal as a hedge on its own or as part of a mixed native hedge (can be combined with Hazel, Field Maple and many other native species). It can be found growing in hedgerows, woods and heathland and is perfect for wildlife gardens due to the protection and food it supplies for birds and insects. It prefers full sun or partial shade and can grow in most soil types but does not tolerate very wet soil. It very hardy and can be grown in all parts of the UK, even on exposed sites with cold winds and where the temperature drops below -20°C.

What type of soil does a Hawthorn hedge need?

Hawthorn will grow in any free draining soil and is ideal as hedging or in wildlife gardens. They tolerate most soil types including acid and alkaline soil.

How tall will Hawthorn grow?

Mature Hawthorn trees can grow up to 15-30ft in height and width but it can be kept to any height of hedge if trimmed once a year.

How fast will Hawthorn grow?

Hawthorn can grow at a rate of up to 45cm (18 inches) per year making them ideal as privacy hedging and to provide dense habitats for wildlife.

When can I plant Hawthorn?

We sell mature hedging plants in troughs and pots online ready to plant at any time of the year. We also sell bare-root plants (whips) at our Greenshutters Garden Centre in Somerset (if you live locally and would prefer to start your hedge off from smaller hedging plants), these need to be planted between November and March (i.e. in the winter months when the plants are dormant).

How often would I need to trim/prune a Hawthorn hedge?

Hawthorn is quite fast growing so needs to be trimmed once a year, after it flowers or in the autumn to maintain as a hedge. Hawthorn can grow into large trees if left untrimmed. It should not be pruned between March and August to avoid disturbing nesting birds and wildlife.

Native hedges can also be laid rather than trimmed. Hedge laying was the traditional way of keeping hedge dense and preventing livestock from escaping from a field before the invention of mechanical hedge trimmers. The hedging plants are left to grow for several years before being partially cut and bent down to the ground where they re-shoot to thicken the hedge.

Additional Information about Hawthorn

According to the Woodland Trust, common Hawthorn is second only to Oak trees for its benefits to wildlife. It can support more than 300 insects, as well as providing food for dormice, bees and birds. The flowers, fruit and leaves are all edible when young and can be used for a number of herbal remedies. The wood can be used for making furniture and tools and burns well as firewood and charcoal.

Alternative names

Thorn, Quickthorn, May Blossom, May Thorn, May Flower, Crataegus monogyna

Botany and Origins of Hawthorn

Hawthorn is a member of the Rosaceae family. Deciduous trees and shrubs have spiny branches, lobed leaves and sprays of white spring flowers in spring followed by red fruits in autumn. It can be found in Northern Europe, North Africa and South West Asia

Crataegus comes from the Greek kratos meaning "strength" and akis "sharp", referring to the thorns of the plants.

Field Maple | Acer campestre

Field Maple is a native plant suitable for use in a single species hedge or as part of a mixed native hedge. It can be found in woods, scrubs and in hedgerows. After its helicopter seeds have been released from the plant, its foliage turns a rich yellow to provide colour through to autumn. Field Maple is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter.

Why plant Field Maple?

Fast growing UK’s only native maple Rich autumn colours Suitable for most soils and positions Attracts wildlife Pollution tolerant Good for exposed sites Popular in towns and cities

How far apart should I plant Field Maple?

Plant our mixed native hedging troughs 1 metre apart and you will get an instant hedge as these troughs are 1 metre wide.

Plant large individual plants between 3 to 5 per metre in a staggered row to get a thick, dense hedge. They can be mixed with other native hedging plants such as Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium).

What type of soil does a Field Maple need?

It will grow in most soils including chalky and coastal environments, but does not do well in waterlogged soil.

Where will Field Maple grow?

Field Maple will grow in sheltered or exposed sites in full sun or partial shade.

How tall will Field Maple grow?

It can be kept as low as 1 metre tall if trimmed once a year but will grow up to mature tree of 8m (25ft) high if left.

How fast will Field Maple grow?

Field Maple is fast growing and can grow between 45-60cm (18-24in) per year.

How often would I need to trim/prune a Field Maplehedge?

Field Maple needs to be trimmed annually; this can be done at any time of the year but avoid trimming a mixed native hedge between March and August because of nesting birds.

Field maple and mixed native hedges are also suitable for laying rather than trimming. In which case, they would be not be laid once every few years.

Additional Information about Field Maple

Field Maple is a fantastic addition for any gardener looking to attract wildlife; especially ladybirds, hoverfly and birds. Its nectar and pollen, and subsequent fruit provide excellent food sources for birds, bees and small mammals.

The many names of Field Maple

Hedge maple, Common elder

Botany and Origins of Field Maple

Field Maple (Acer campestre) is part of the Soapberry (Sapindaceae) family and is native to the UK. It has a maple-shaped leaf with 5 rounded lobes and forms winged maple fruits and seeds (helicopter seeds).

The Benefits of Field Maple

A vibrantly coloured hedge that turns from green to red to yellow through the seasons. Field Maple attracts diverse array of wildlife and provides interest from spring to winter, when its leaves fall off and reveal the attractive woody stems. Field Maple makes an excellent dense hedge or suitable as part of a mixed native hedge.

Alternatives to Field Maple

Hawthorn, Hazel, Hornbeam, Beech, Holly or use them in a mixed native hedge.

Hazel | Corylus avellana

Hazel is a native hedging plant with broad leaves that provides year-round interest and is ideal for both single species hedging or mixed native hedging. It is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter.

Why plant Hazel?

Year-round interest Attractive yellow catkins in spring Good autumn leaf colour Suitable for single species or mixed native hedging Thrives in most soils and environments Shade tolerant Supports woodland wildlife Produces edible nuts in September and October Supports butterflies, ground nesting birds and small mammals Tolerant of windy and exposed sites

How far apart should I plant Hazel?

Plant our mixed native hedging troughs 1 metre apart and you will get an instant hedge as these troughs are 1 metre wide.

Plant large individual plants between 3 to 5 per metre in a staggered row to get a thick, dense hedge. They can be mixed with other native hedging plants such as Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium).

What type of soil does a Hazelhedge need?

Hazel thrives well in most free-draining soils, is shade tolerant and suitable for windy and exposed sites. It will not grow in water-logged soils.

How tall will Hazel grow?

Hazel hedges can be kept at any height if pruned once a year. If left untrimmed, a Hazel tree can grow up to 4-8m (12-25ft) in height.

How fast will Hazel grow?

Hazel can grow up to 45-60cm (18-24in) per year depending on conditions making it ideal for dense hedges.

How often would I need to trim a Hazel hedge?

Pruning should be done annually as Hazel hedges are fast growing. Trim in the winter after the birds have eaten all of the fruit and before they begin nesting. In January and February remove any dead wood and suckers, which can be used for staking in the garden, especially for peas.

Hazel and mixed native hedges are also suitable for laying rather than trimming. In which case, they would only need to be layed every few years.

Additional Information about Hazel

The hazel plant grows straight stems that are flexible and can be twisted into a knot without breaking. They can be used for twisting into plant supports such as peas sticks and screens or hurdles. It was also traditionally popular for making furniture. In the spring the plant produces attractive yellow catkins which are followed by edible nuts (hazelnut, cobnut or filbert nut).

Hazel can also be coppiced (cut down to the ground) and it will re-grow. This is often done in managed woodlands to encourage wildlife, especially Doormice which do not like to go on the ground but prefer to move around the woodland from branch to branch. The younger branches of Hazel grow back into a dense canopy for them to move around.

The many names of Hazel

Hazel is also know as cobnut or filbert. Its botanical name is Corylus avellana.

Botany and Origins of Hazel

Hazel belongs to the Betulaceae (Birch) family of plants and is native to the UK, Europe, Western Asia and North Africa.

The Benefits of Hazel

A Hazel hedge provides year round interest with its berries, seeds flowers and foliage. This will help attract a wide variety of wildlife from insects and birds and small mammals. The Hazel stems can be used for a number of purposes in the garden involving weaving into screens and using to stake and support a number of tender plants as they grow. If you can harvest the nuts before the squirrels get to them you can use in many recipes or just as a healthy snack.

Alternatives to Hazel

Hawthorn, Field Maple, Hornbeam, Beech, Holly or use them in a mixed native hedge.

Mixed Native Hedging

Native hedging plants such as Hawthorn, Field Maple, Hazel, Hornbeam and Beech are plants that are from the UK and have grown in the UK environment for thousands of years. As a result, they are adapted to the UK ecosystems and provide natural habitats and food for many living things. Native hedges are seen growing around farmers' fields but are now also been used as garden hedges and around industrial sites and office buildings.

Most native hedges are made up of a mixture of different species of plants the most common being Hawthorn, Field Maple, Hazel and Blackthorn but the exact mix depends on an individual's choice.

Hawthorn | Quickthorn | Maythorn | Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a hedging plant that provides year-round interest and a wonderful home for wildlife. It offers

white blossom in the spring, bright green leaves tinged with red throughout the spring and summer, and red haws (meaning Old English for fruit) in the autumn. Hawthorn is native to the UK and is deciduous (it loses its leaves in the winter).

Why plant a Hawthorn hedge?

Fast growingVery hardyWind tolerantRich haven for wildlifeBeautiful spring blossom with scented flowersDense thorny branches ideal for aditional security along garden boundariesAttractive green and red leavesSuitable for most soil types Ideal for mixed native hedgeYoung leaves, flowers and are edible and can be used in herbal remediesHaws can be used to make jams and jelliesA hedging plant native to the UK

How far apart should I plant Hawthorn?

Plant our mixed native hedging troughs 1 metre apart and you will get an instant hedge as these troughs are 1 metre wide.

Plant large individual plants between 3 to 5 per metre in a staggered row to get a thick, dense hedge. They can be mixed with other native hedging plants such as Field Maple (Acer campestre), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium).

Where will Hawthorn grow?

Hawthorn is ideal as a hedge on its own or as part of a mixed native hedge (can be combined with Hazel, Field Maple and many other native species). It can be found growing in hedgerows, woods and heathland and is perfect for wildlife gardens due to the protection and food it supplies for birds and insects. It prefers full sun or partial shade and can grow in most soil types but does not tolerate very wet soil. It very hardy and can be grown in all parts of the UK, even on exposed sites with cold winds and where the temperature drops below -20°C.

What type of soil does a Hawthorn hedge need?

Hawthorn will grow in any free draining soil and is ideal as hedging or in wildlife gardens. They tolerate most soil types including acid and alkaline soil.

How tall will Hawthorn grow?

Mature Hawthorn trees can grow up to 15-30ft in height and width but it can be kept to any height of hedge if trimmed once a year.

How fast will Hawthorn grow?

Hawthorn can grow at a rate of up to 45cm (18 inches) per year making them ideal as privacy hedging and to provide dense habitats for wildlife.

When can I plant Hawthorn?

We sell mature hedging plants in troughs and pots online ready to plant at any time of the year. We also sell bare-root plants (whips) at our Greenshutters Garden Centre in Somerset (if you live locally and would prefer to start your hedge off from smaller hedging plants), these need to be planted between November and March (i.e. in the winter months when the plants are dormant).

How often would I need to trim/prune a Hawthorn hedge?

Hawthorn is quite fast growing so needs to be trimmed once a year, after it flowers or in the autumn to maintain as a hedge. Hawthorn can grow into large trees if left untrimmed. It should not be pruned between March and August to avoid disturbing nesting birds and wildlife.

Native hedges can also be laid rather than trimmed. Hedge laying was the traditional way of keeping hedge dense and preventing livestock from escaping from a field before the invention of mechanical hedge trimmers. The hedging plants are left to grow for several years before being partially cut and bent down to the ground where they re-shoot to thicken the hedge.

Additional Information about Hawthorn

According to the Woodland Trust, common Hawthorn is second only to Oak trees for its benefits to wildlife. It can support more than 300 insects, as well as providing food for dormice, bees and birds. The flowers, fruit and leaves are all edible when young and can be used for a number of herbal remedies. The wood can be used for making furniture and tools and burns well as firewood and charcoal.

Alternative names

Thorn, Quickthorn, May Blossom, May Thorn, May Flower, Crataegus monogyna

Botany and Origins of Hawthorn

Hawthorn is a member of the Rosaceae family. Deciduous trees and shrubs have spiny branches, lobed leaves and sprays of white spring flowers in spring followed by red fruits in autumn. It can be found in Northern Europe, North Africa and South West Asia

Crataegus comes from the Greek kratos meaning "strength" and akis "sharp", referring to the thorns of the plants.

Field Maple | Acer campestre

Field Maple is a native plant suitable for use in a single species hedge or as part of a mixed native hedge. It can be found in woods, scrubs and in hedgerows. After its helicopter seeds have been released from the plant, its foliage turns a rich yellow to provide colour through to autumn. Field Maple is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter.

Why plant Field Maple?

Fast growing UK’s only native maple Rich autumn colours Suitable for most soils and positions Attracts wildlife Pollution tolerant Good for exposed sites Popular in towns and cities

How far apart should I plant Field Maple?

Plant our mixed native hedging troughs 1 metre apart and you will get an instant hedge as these troughs are 1 metre wide.

Plant large individual plants between 3 to 5 per metre in a staggered row to get a thick, dense hedge. They can be mixed with other native hedging plants such as Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium).

What type of soil does a Field Maple need?

It will grow in most soils including chalky and coastal environments, but does not do well in waterlogged soil.

Where will Field Maple grow?

Field Maple will grow in sheltered or exposed sites in full sun or partial shade.

How tall will Field Maple grow?

It can be kept as low as 1 metre tall if trimmed once a year but will grow up to mature tree of 8m (25ft) high if left.

How fast will Field Maple grow?

Field Maple is fast growing and can grow between 45-60cm (18-24in) per year.

How often would I need to trim/prune a Field Maplehedge?

Field Maple needs to be trimmed annually; this can be done at any time of the year but avoid trimming a mixed native hedge between March and August because of nesting birds.

Field maple and mixed native hedges are also suitable for laying rather than trimming. In which case, they would be not be laid once every few years.

Additional Information about Field Maple

Field Maple is a fantastic addition for any gardener looking to attract wildlife; especially ladybirds, hoverfly and birds. Its nectar and pollen, and subsequent fruit provide excellent food sources for birds, bees and small mammals.

The many names of Field Maple

Hedge maple, Common elder

Botany and Origins of Field Maple

Field Maple (Acer campestre) is part of the Soapberry (Sapindaceae) family and is native to the UK. It has a maple-shaped leaf with 5 rounded lobes and forms winged maple fruits and seeds (helicopter seeds).

The Benefits of Field Maple

A vibrantly coloured hedge that turns from green to red to yellow through the seasons. Field Maple attracts diverse array of wildlife and provides interest from spring to winter, when its leaves fall off and reveal the attractive woody stems. Field Maple makes an excellent dense hedge or suitable as part of a mixed native hedge.

Alternatives to Field Maple

Hawthorn, Hazel, Hornbeam, Beech, Holly or use them in a mixed native hedge.

Hazel | Corylus avellana

Hazel is a native hedging plant with broad leaves that provides year-round interest and is ideal for both single species hedging or mixed native hedging. It is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter.

Why plant Hazel?

Year-round interest Attractive yellow catkins in spring Good autumn leaf colour Suitable for single species or mixed native hedging Thrives in most soils and environments Shade tolerant Supports woodland wildlife Produces edible nuts in September and October Supports butterflies, ground nesting birds and small mammals Tolerant of windy and exposed sites

How far apart should I plant Hazel?

Plant our mixed native hedging troughs 1 metre apart and you will get an instant hedge as these troughs are 1 metre wide.

Plant large individual plants between 3 to 5 per metre in a staggered row to get a thick, dense hedge. They can be mixed with other native hedging plants such as Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium).

What type of soil does a Hazelhedge need?

Hazel thrives well in most free-draining soils, is shade tolerant and suitable for windy and exposed sites. It will not grow in water-logged soils.

How tall will Hazel grow?

Hazel hedges can be kept at any height if pruned once a year. If left untrimmed, a Hazel tree can grow up to 4-8m (12-25ft) in height.

How fast will Hazel grow?

Hazel can grow up to 45-60cm (18-24in) per year depending on conditions making it ideal for dense hedges.

How often would I need to trim a Hazel hedge?

Pruning should be done annually as Hazel hedges are fast growing. Trim in the winter after the birds have eaten all of the fruit and before they begin nesting. In January and February remove any dead wood and suckers, which can be used for staking in the garden, especially for peas.

Hazel and mixed native hedges are also suitable for laying rather than trimming. In which case, they would only need to be layed every few years.

Additional Information about Hazel

The hazel plant grows straight stems that are flexible and can be twisted into a knot without breaking. They can be used for twisting into plant supports such as peas sticks and screens or hurdles. It was also traditionally popular for making furniture. In the spring the plant produces attractive yellow catkins which are followed by edible nuts (hazelnut, cobnut or filbert nut).

Hazel can also be coppiced (cut down to the ground) and it will re-grow. This is often done in managed woodlands to encourage wildlife, especially Doormice which do not like to go on the ground but prefer to move around the woodland from branch to branch. The younger branches of Hazel grow back into a dense canopy for them to move around.

The many names of Hazel

Hazel is also know as cobnut or filbert. Its botanical name is Corylus avellana.

Botany and Origins of Hazel

Hazel belongs to the Betulaceae (Birch) family of plants and is native to the UK, Europe, Western Asia and North Africa.

The Benefits of Hazel

A Hazel hedge provides year round interest with its berries, seeds flowers and foliage. This will help attract a wide variety of wildlife from insects and birds and small mammals. The Hazel stems can be used for a number of purposes in the garden involving weaving into screens and using to stake and support a number of tender plants as they grow. If you can harvest the nuts before the squirrels get to them you can use in many recipes or just as a healthy snack.

Alternatives to Hazel

Hawthorn, Field Maple, Hornbeam, Beech, Holly or use them in a mixed native hedge.